The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Political Commissar and Public Information Officer of the 2nd Infantry Division, Lt Col Nicholas Kakuru Rweitiri, has condemned the rampant theft of livestock among youths, calling for collective efforts to address the vice.
Kakuru made the remarks on Saturday while officiating at the 38th annual Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) Rubanda District Students’ Council and Elections Meeting held at St Agatha Secondary School in Kakore, Rubanda District.
He expressed concern over the increasing cases of livestock theft, accusing some local council leaders of shielding suspected thieves instead of supporting efforts to combat the vice.
Kakuru also blamed some parents whom he accused of engaging in theft and failing to embrace hard work, saying such behaviour sets a bad example for young people and encourages them to resort to stealing to support their families.
He urged youths to work together and expose fellow students and other community members involved in stealing from schools and villages, saying collective vigilance would help protect people’s property.
Kakuru further challenged young people to organise themselves and conduct night patrols to deter theft. However, he cautioned them against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to hand over anyone suspected of stealing to police for appropriate action.
CUE IN KAKURU…..ON THEFT…..RR//
Meanwhile, Kisoro District Youth Chairperson Hafashimana Asiimwe has challenged students to develop a saving culture to secure their financial future.
He also urged them to remain persistent in their endeavours, noting that giving up easily could hinder their chances of success.
CUE IN HAFASHIMANA….ON STUDENTS…RR//
The Kigezi UNSA Coordinator, John Bosco Namara, encouraged students to embrace agriculture, describing it as an important sector that offers opportunities for young people and remains a backbone of Uganda’s economy.
Namara said UNSA had introduced agricultural projects, including piggery, in schools to equip students with practical skills and help them appreciate the importance of the sector.
He noted that agriculture is among the subjects taught in schools and urged learners to put the knowledge they acquire into practice.
CUE IN NAMARA….ON AGRICULTURE….RR//
During the meeting, Kennedy Mastiko from St Charles Lwanga Secondary School was elected Rubanda District UNSA Chairperson, while Javila Akansasira from Bubaare Secondary School was elected vice chairperson.
Isiah Hafashimana from Nyaruhanga High School was elected speaker, alongside other leaders chosen to serve on the students’ council.
